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المحتوى المقدم من Alexander Lowie. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Alexander Lowie أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.

Biscuits & Jam

1
The War and Treaty Are Getting Carried Away 46:55

منذ 6 أيام46:55

التشغيل لاحقا

قوائم

إعجاب

احب

46:55

The War and Treaty’s Michael and Tanya Trotter grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and Washington, DC, respectively, but both have family roots in the South. They also grew up in the musical traditions of their churches – Tanya in the Black Baptist Church and Michael in the Seventh Day Adventist Church – where they learned the power of song to move people. After becoming a father at a very young age, Michael eventually joined the armed forces and served in Iraq and Germany, where he took up songwriting as a way of dealing with his experiences there. Meanwhile Tanya embarked on a singing and acting career after a breakthrough appearance in Sister Act 2 alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. Now, after a long and sometimes traumatic journey, Michael and Tanya are married, touring, winning all sorts of awards, and set to release their fifth album together, and their fourth as The War and Treaty. Sid talks to Michael and Tanya about the new record, Plus One , as well as their collaboration with Miranda Lambert, what it was like to record at FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, and how they’re blending country, soul, gospel, and R&B. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Dearest Suzie « »
Episode 032: 1965-01-12 | Popi's Promotion

منذ عام واحد 6:10

MP3•منزل الحلقة

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore Popi’s letter from January 12, 1965, where he shares the news of becoming an instructor pilot, the challenges of limited communication with home, and his surprising efforts to bring Charlie, a monkey he owned, back to the United States.

Accompanied by a photograph of a low-flying helicopter carrying smiling soldiers, today’s episode reflects on the small joys, mounting frustrations, and unique relationships that sustained service members far from home.

What’s Covered:

Popi’s promotion to W-1 Instructor Pilot.
The bond between Popi and Charlie, a monkey he hoped to bring home.
Reflections on the challenges of wartime communication.
A broader look at connections and distractions in combat zones.

📷 Featured Photo: A helicopter flying low with two pilots and two gunners onboard, their smiles a momentary break from the realities of war.

🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.

Follow Dearest Suzie on social media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/
X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast

📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you!

VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #FamilyLetters #InheritTheStories

66 حلقات

Dearest Suzie

Episode 032: 1965-01-12 | Popi's Promotion

Dearest Suzie

published منذ عام واحد

MP3•منزل الحلقة

What’s Covered:

Popi’s promotion to W-1 Instructor Pilot.
The bond between Popi and Charlie, a monkey he hoped to bring home.
Reflections on the challenges of wartime communication.
A broader look at connections and distractions in combat zones.

📷 Featured Photo: A helicopter flying low with two pilots and two gunners onboard, their smiles a momentary break from the realities of war.

Follow Dearest Suzie on social media:

📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you!

VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #FamilyLetters #InheritTheStories

66 حلقات

所有剧集

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 059: 1965-03-09 | Damn Dirty Words 7:18

منذ 1 day7:18

7:18

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes one of his most personal letters yet—grappling with family tensions, money troubles, and the loneliness of separation. While training for combat half a world away, he's still trying to mediate disagreements between Suzie and his parents, all while worrying about whether his family has enough to get by. The letter gives us a rare window into the everyday burdens that followed soldiers to Vietnam—the struggles that didn't make it into history books but shaped their lives just the same. Accompanied by a photo of women in bright white dresses and conical hats carrying briefcases through town, today's episode highlights the quieter side of war—the unseen emotional labor of balancing family, finances, and distance while serving overseas. What’s Covered: The tension between duty to family at home and duty as a soldier abroad Financial struggles and the realities of supporting a family on military pay How soldiers remained wrapped up in domestic life even from thousands of miles away A humorous glimpse into Mema's famous sailor mouth—and how Popi tried to keep her in line 📷 Featured Photo: A group of women in bright white dresses and conical hats carrying briefcases through town—an everyday scene that caught Popi's eye and offered a rare glimpse into civilian life. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #MilitaryLetters #FamilyHistory #HueyHelicopter #WarLetters #MilitaryHistory #Vietnam1965 #InheritTheStories #HistoryPodcast #AnthropologyOfWar…

Dearest Suzie

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Episode 058: 1965-03-07 | The Wrong Way Round 6:45

منذ 3 أيام6:45

6:45

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes as he begins settling into his new role in the Cobra platoon—training with machine guns and rockets, breaking the monotony with a U.S.O. show, and counting down the long stretch of days still ahead. But beneath the surface of his daily routines, the war itself was starting to shift. While Popi learned the weapons systems of his armed Huey, policymakers thousands of miles away were quietly questioning whether America’s entire approach to the war had been flawed from the start. Accompanied by a photo of Popi's point of view at the firing range—rockets streaking across the landscape and smoke rising from the ground, today's episode explores how the Vietnam War played out on two fronts: the action and boredom experienced by soldiers on the ground, and the unseen battle for control of the countryside playing out in the minds of U.S. strategists. What’s Covered: Popi’s early days training with the Cobra platoon The disconnect between military strategy and life on the ground The role of boredom and routine in soldiers' experiences of war How the war's blurred front lines made it difficult to tell friend from enemy 📷 Featured Photo: Popi's point of view at the range—firing rockets into the Vietnamese landscape, turning farmland into a training ground. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #CobraPlatoon #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #FamilyHistory #InheritTheStories #AnthropologyOfWar #USOShow #Vietnam1965 #HistoryPodcast…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 057: 1965-03-06 | Two Helicopters Down 6:04

منذ 4 أيام6:04

6:04

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from the edge of exhaustion—reflecting on a terrible day for the Cobras. Two helicopters lost. Four men killed. Though he doesn't linger on the tragedy, the weight of it lingers between the lines. Even as he processes the loss of close friends, he holds fast to small routines—checking on the pet monkeys, asking after the boys, and reaching across the distance to keep life at home within reach. Accompanied by a photo of Charlie and Doll in their homemade cage, today's episode captures the quiet ways soldiers tried to carry on—finding small moments of care and connection in the midst of grief. What’s Covered: The dangers faced by helicopter crews in Vietnam Popi’s first direct encounter with loss in the armed platoon The emotional weight behind what’s left unsaid in his letters The role of animals and routine as small acts of resistance during wartime 📷 Featured Photo: Charlie and Doll, Popi's pet monkeys, confined to their cage—an image of care, companionship, and the small attempts to maintain normalcy in a chaotic world. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #CobraPlatoon #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #FamilyHistory #InheritTheStories #AnthropologyOfWar #VietnamMonkeys #PhotosFromVietnam…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 056: 1965-03-05 | Cobras and Cognac 10:10

منذ 5 أيام10:10

10:10

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes two letters from March 5, 1965, giving us two starkly different glimpses into life in Vietnam. The first letter finds him on O.D. duty—walking the perimeter at night, checking the guards, and navigating the uneasy trust between American and South Vietnamese forces. Later that day, he sits down to a formal dinner with high-ranking Vietnamese officers, struggling through lobster and lychee nuts in the name of diplomacy. Accompanied by a photo of an offensive position along a perimeter, today's episode highlights the uneasy balance between danger, duty, and moments of unexpected humor in the midst of war. What’s Covered: The tension of nighttime O.D. duty Popi’s first face-to-face encounter with the Viet Cong A surreal diplomatic dinner with South Vietnamese officers The role of food in wartime memory 📷 Featured Photo: An offensive position along a perimeter, fortified with sandbags and earthwork barriers — a reflection of the ever-present threat at the edges of the base. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #ColdWarHistory #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories #FamilyHistory #WarLetters #PhotosFromVietnam #CobraPlatoon #AnthropologyOfWar…

Dearest Suzie

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Episode 055: 1965-03-03 | Flying Into Darkness 6:20

منذ 7 أيام6:20

6:20

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes home about receiving letters from family, sending a bracelet to his niece, and arranging to repair the family camera—a small task that connects him to home across thousands of miles. But tucked into the end of the letter is a casual mention of night patrol, a routine mission that carried extraordinary risks. Accompanied by a cockpit view from inside a Huey helicopter, today's episode explores the dangers of night missions and the psychological strain of flying through the darkness, where every shadow could hide the enemy. What’s Covered: The routine dangers of night patrol missions The psychological toll of night flying How small household matters connected soldiers to home The constant effort to stay present in family life from afar 📷 Featured Photo: A view from the cockpit, with the Vietnamese landscape in the distance and another helicopter flying alongside. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #NightPatrol #InheritTheStories…

Dearest Suzie

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Episode 054: 1965-03-01 | Boredom Worse Than Fear 6:26

منذ 9 أيام6:26

6:26

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie writes to Suzie on March 1, 1965, sharing quiet days, family updates, and—almost as an afterthought—his decision to transfer to the armed platoon, trading troop transport missions for combat operations. Accompanied by a striking photo of a helicopter bearing the mark of the Cobras, today's episode explores Bill’s choice to put himself in greater danger, reflecting on what it reveals about fear, boredom, and agency in war. What’s Covered: Bill’s continued efforts to send jewelry and souvenirs home Reflections on family heirlooms and the sentimental weight they carry His voluntary transfer to the Cobras, flying armed helicopters The tension between fear, boredom, and the desire for control in combat 📷 Featured Photo: A helicopter in flight, marked with a cobra on the front and armed with rocket pods and machine guns. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #1965Vietnam #BillLowieLetters #InheritTheStories #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #VietnamLetters #CombatStories #WarDiaries #HistoricalPodcast #Cobras #HelicopterPilots…

Dearest Suzie

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All Episodes, February 1965 1:19:35

منذ 10 أيام1:19:35

1:19:35

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we look back on the February 1965 letters from Bill Lowie, a month marked by financial strain, family tensions, and the harsh realities of war. From poker losses and promotion party expenses to evacuating wounded civilians after a Viet Cong mortar attack, Bill’s words reveal the delicate balance between duty, personal responsibility, and the emotional toll of combat. Even in the midst of hardship, his letters remain tethered to home—filled with love, concern, and a longing for normalcy. Whether navigating money troubles, frustrations with family back home, or the heartbreak of seeing innocent lives shattered by war, Bill’s words bring us closer to his experience, 60 years later. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #1965Vietnam #BillLowieLetters #InheritTheStories #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #VietnamLetters #CombatStories #WarDiaries #FebruaryRecap #HistoricalPodcast…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 053: 1965-02-27 | Poker and Paychecks 6:46

منذ 11 يومًا6:46

6:46

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi grapples with the financial strains of war, admitting to a poker loss and an obligatory promotion party expense that leaves him unable to send his paycheck home. His frustration is evident—not just with himself, but with a family dispute over a car that threatens to become another burden. But the weight of money troubles pales in comparison to the devastating scenes he witnesses firsthand. Tasked with evacuating civilians after a Viet Cong mortar attack, Popi describes an elderly man, wounded in both legs, forced to walk barefoot with only a young girl to help him. A small boy, about the size of his own son, suffers a grievous injury, bringing Popi to tears. In these moments, the war becomes deeply personal. What’s Covered: The financial pressures of military life and the role of poker and promotion parties A family conflict over a car that adds to Popi’s worries A harrowing account of evacuating wounded civilians after a mortar attack 📷 Featured Photo: A shot from Popi’s helicopter, showing ARVN soldiers evacuating civilians over a hill, carrying a wounded person on a makeshift stretcher. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #InheritTheStories…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 052: 1965-02-24 | Never A Dull Moment 5:19

منذ 14 يومًا5:19

5:19

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes home about the long-awaited arrival of Suzie’s ring, his newly earned air medals, and the ever-present dangers surrounding his unit. He jokes about Suzie forgetting to congratulate him on making chief, but his letter also carries the weight of war—mentioning an outpost overrun just miles away. Accompanied by a photograph of soldiers gathered around a helicopter, today’s episode explores the duality of Popi’s life: the lighthearted teasing of a husband writing to his wife and the grim reality of constant danger in Vietnam. What’s Covered: The long journey of Suzie’s ring and family updates The dangers of daily life in Vietnam, including an outpost attack Popi’s earned but unawarded air medals A surprising post-war story: Popi’s international arrest and a family theory about the CIA 📷 Featured Photo: A group of soldiers standing around a helicopter, appearing to plan a mission. The setting suggests a base or airfield, capturing a moment of preparation before flight. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #FamilyStories #InheritTheStories…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 051: 1965-02-22 | Counting Days 7:20

منذ 16 يومًا7:20

7:20

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie writes home about the growing pressures of war, from sleepless nights under mortar fire to a troop-lift mission that left two aircraft shot up. Amidst the tension, he finds small comforts in letters from home, a reminder of the life waiting for him beyond Vietnam. Accompanied by a blurred, dreamlike photo of an early morning troop lift, today’s episode is a reflection on inheritance—both tangible and intangible. As I prepare for my own wedding day, I consider the ways my grandfather’s experiences, personality, and struggles have shaped my own. What’s Covered: Bill’s reflections on home, family, and the gift he sent Suzie A dangerous troop-lift mission and the constant strain of war A personal reflection on inheritance, identity, and understanding the past 📷 Featured Photo: A hazy, early morning troop lift—muted colors, unclear faces, helicopters barely hovering in the air. One of my favorites. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #FamilyLegacy #InheritTheStories…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 050: 1965-02-20 | Escaping the Saigon Coup 9:28

منذ 18 يومًا9:28

9:28

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi grapples with the aftermath of a helicopter crash that shakes his confidence as a pilot. Writing to Suzie, he admits, “I was so stunned for a while I couldn’t figure out what happened.” With over 1,100 flight hours under his belt, the incident forces him to question his abilities and step back from his Instructor Pilot role. Meanwhile, a routine trip to Saigon for a physical turns into a brush with political chaos as an attempted coup unfolds. Bill describes tanks and armed troops scattered across the airfield, blocking Vietnamese planes while letting Americans take off—just moments before the entire airport is shut down. His account captures both the unpredictability of war and the eerie sense of detachment that comes with living through constant upheaval. What’s Covered: The lingering effects of Bill’s helicopter crash on his confidence The February 1965 South Vietnamese coup and its broader implications A tense escape from Saigon just before the airfield shuts down The surreal contrast between danger and downtime in a warzone 📷 Featured Photo: The façade of Tan Son Nhut Airport, where Popi’s tense departure from Saigon took place. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #WarDiaries #Saigon #InheritTheStories…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 049: 1965-02-18 | Crash Landing 6:27

منذ 20 يومًا6:27

6:27

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes about what he calls “the blackest day of my life.” While practicing autorotations—a critical emergency maneuver—his helicopter crashes, leaving him shaken and questioning his future as an Instructor Pilot. Though he and his platoon leader survive, the accident weighs heavily on him, not just as a dangerous moment but as a blow to his confidence and identity as a pilot. This letter stands apart from the rest. We’ve seen Bill write about exhaustion, stress, and even fear, but here, his words carry something deeper—self-doubt. He fears this crash may cost him his role as an instructor, and for the first time, his usual steady tone falters. His letter is brief, lacking his usual updates, as if he struggles to find the words. Most telling of all is his closing: “I love you very much and I need you especially right now.” It’s raw and vulnerable, showing just how deeply this moment affected him. What’s Covered: A training accident shakes Bill’s confidence as a pilot. The weight of self-doubt in a high-risk profession. How this moment marks a shift in his letters and outlook. 📷 Featured Photo: A crashed helicopter in a field, illustrating the kind of scene Bill might have faced that day. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryAviation #HelicopterCrash #VietnamHistory #WarLetters #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 048: 1965-02-16 | The War In Print 5:48

منذ 22 يومًا5:48

5:48

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill reflects on how the war is being portrayed back home, mentioning that his unit might be featured in the Orlando Sentinel and that an upcoming awards ceremony could be covered as well. He describes how their commanding officer made “a big production” out of their orders, complete with pictures and press coverage. While Bill’s letters often reveal the strain of isolation and the monotony of life on base, the version of the war presented in newspapers was far more polished—highlighting commendations and achievements rather than the daily hardships of soldiers on the ground. Bill also shares his growing frustration with being stuck on the compound for weeks, saying the walls are “closing in” on him. Even though town is no longer off-limits, he’s still too uneasy to go. His words capture the contrast between how the war felt to those living it and how it was packaged for those watching from home. Accompanied by a rare glimpse into the daily life of soldiers off the battlefield, today’s featured photo shows two Vietnamese women washing clothes outside a base, with sandbags stacked behind them and shirts drying on a line above. These women, hired to do laundry for the soldiers, represent the complex and often unseen interactions between troops and local civilians. Were they just trying to make a living, or were they passing information to the Viet Cong? The war’s uncertainties stretched beyond combat, shaping even the most routine moments of daily life. What’s Covered: The role of newspapers in shaping public perception of the Vietnam War Bill’s feelings of isolation and his reluctance to leave base The upcoming awards ceremony and media attention on his unit The blurred lines between civilian life and the war effort in Vietnam 📷 Featured Photo: Two Vietnamese women washing clothes on a patio outside a base, with sandbags stacked behind them and shirts drying on a line above. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #InheritTheStories…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 047: 1965-02-14 | A Quiet Promotion 6:48

منذ 24 يومًا6:48

6:48

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill shares news of his upcoming promotion—but his reaction is telling. He isn’t concerned with the ceremony or recognition, just the extra $40 a month and the new title of “Chief.” Like many warrant officers, he saw promotions as more of a bureaucratic formality than a milestone, focused more on the practical benefits than the prestige. He also writes about the constant state of alert, the toll of restrictions, and the isolation of life on base. While he jokes about his growing collection of air medals, his real focus remains on home—Valentine’s cards from Suzie and the boys, gifts sent to family, and the small connections that keep him tethered to normalcy. What’s Covered: Bill’s upcoming promotion and what it meant for warrant officers in Vietnam. The financial realities of military pay and why even a small raise mattered. How soldiers viewed promotion ceremonies versus the military’s emphasis on tradition. Life on base—restrictions, constant alerts, and the strain of isolation. 📷 Featured Photo: Mekong Manor Officer’s Club, a place where Chief and his friends spent time off duty. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #FamilyMemoir #InheritTheStories…

Dearest Suzie

1
Episode 046: 1965-02-11 | The Trouble At Sóc Trăng 6:21

منذ 27 يومًا6:21

6:21

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes home about the restrictions placed on his unit, the ongoing tension of 30-minute alerts, and the attack on Sóc Trăng. His letter reflects the strain of waiting for the inevitable, the frustration of being cut off from town, and the small joys of receiving Valentine’s cards from home. He also shares news of his long-awaited promotion—one that brings more responsibility, a new title, and a modest pay raise, but little excitement. Through his words, we get a glimpse into the daily struggles of soldiers in Vietnam—how they coped with uncertainty, leaned on routine, and found comfort in small connections to home. What’s Covered: The attack on Sóc Trăng and the impact of constant alerts. The significance of Bill’s promotion and what it meant for a warrant officer. The importance of the PX for soldiers stationed overseas. The ongoing isolation from town and how it affected morale. 📷 Featured Photo: A hand-drawn sign from Sóc Trăng, featuring five different graphics and the text: 121st Aviation Company. Welcome to Sóc Trăng Army International Aerial Port. Elevation +/- 2 feet. “The Famed Sóc Trăng Tigers.” 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #FamilyMemoir #InheritTheStories…

مرحبًا بك في مشغل أف ام!

يقوم برنامج مشغل أف أم بمسح الويب للحصول على بودكاست عالية الجودة لتستمتع بها الآن. إنه أفضل تطبيق بودكاست ويعمل على أجهزة اندرويد والأيفون والويب. قم بالتسجيل لمزامنة الاشتراكات عبر الأجهزة.